Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the late Pranab Mukherjee, former President and Congress stalwart, has unveiled insights into her father's opinions on Rahul Gandhi in her forthcoming book, 'In Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers'.
In a conversation with India Today, Sharmistha Mukherjee, also a Congress spokesperson, delved into the contents of her upcoming book, which shares anecdotes and personal stories about her father.
She disclosed that Pranab Mukherjee expressed disappointment with Rahul Gandhi's actions, especially after the Congress's underwhelming performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Specifically, he was disheartened by Rahul Gandhi's handling of an ordinance introduced by the UPA government in 2013 aimed at safeguarding convicted leaders like RJD supremo Lalu Yadav from disqualification.
According to Sharmistha Mukherjee, her father considered Rahul Gandhi's responses "politically immature" and felt that he might be losing ground in terms of public perception.
Moreover, Pranab Mukherjee was reportedly dissatisfied with Rahul Gandhi's frequent absence from Parliament following the 2014 elections.
Sharmistha Mukherjee's book also sheds light on an incident from 2004 when speculation about the Prime Ministerial post arose after Sonia Gandhi declined it. Despite hopes among some circles, Pranab Mukherjee had expressed that Manmohan Singh would assume the role of Prime Minister, indicating that he didn't anticipate the position for himself.
The book further highlights an incident noted in Pranab Mukherjee's diary, recounting a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting before the 2009 general elections.
Rahul Gandhi allegedly expressed his disinterest in a coalition government during the meeting, prompting Pranab Mukherjee to suggest that Gandhi articulate his thoughts more clearly. This incident highlighted a limited interaction between the two leaders during the UPA's tenure from 2004 to 2014.
Sharmistha Mukherjee also recalled a scenario where her father cynically commented on Rahul Gandhi's aspirations for the prime ministerial post.
During an unplanned morning meeting in the Mughal Gardens, despite Pranab Mukherjee's preference for solitude during walks or prayers, he accommodated Rahul Gandhi. Later, when Rahul Gandhi's office mistakenly rescheduled an evening appointment, Pranab Mukherjee wryly questioned his punctuality, casting doubts on his capabilities for the role of Prime Minister.